WHEELER AND ALLIED FAMILIES:Information about William COMSTOCK

William COMSTOCK (b. Abt. 1595, d. Abt. 1683)

William COMSTOCK665 was born Abt. 1595 in Clumstock, Devonshire, England665, and died Abt. 1683 in New London, New London, Connecticut665.He married Elizabeth DANIEL on Abt. 1622 in Devonshire, England665.Notes for William COMSTOCK:. WILLIAM COMSTOCK was born on 4 Jul 1595 in Culmstock, Devonshire, England. Although there is often seen the date of birth as given in this file, I doubt that it is correct. This is actually a Baptism at St. Martin in the Fields, London, for a William Comstock on this date. There is no proof this is the same man. In fact, at St. Martin in the Fields there is also a William Comstock buried there, 20 May 1598, which is much more likely this child. From "Ancestry of Colonel John Harrington Stevens & Frances Helen Miller" by Mary Lovering Holman, 1948. He immigrated in 1635 to Massachusetts Bay Colony. Came to America with 4 or 5 of his children. He served in the military on 26 May 1637 in Pequot Fort, Mystic County, Connecticut. He died about 1683 in New London, New London County, Connecticut. By 1635 he lived in Dorchester, Massachusetts Bay Colony; in 1636 he moved to Connecticut; in 1641 he held land on Connecticut River near Wethersfield, CT Likely one of 56 men from Wethersfield, CT in expedition commanded by Capt. John Mason that captured the Pequot Fort killing about 500 Indians.A Douglas book says he moved to New London about 1649 along with sons William and Daniel. [This statement is very confusing and may be the source of the possibility about a "son William". Also Daniel went to Rhode Island near this time. In fact William appears in Court records at Hartfort in 1644 and 1649, after which he no longer is found at that location - "Connecticut Puritan Settlers" by Royal R. Hinman] On 10 Nov 1650 at a town meeting in New London, he voted to cooperate with John Winthrop in erecting a corn mill. He also applied for a house lot 1650/51 and was a settler there by 1651. His location was on Post Hill near the corner of Vauxhall & Williams Streets [1895]. John Elderkin whose daughter married Daniel Comstock adjoined on the south. This was an elevated neighborhood called Waller's Hill. [From "History of New London CT" by Caulkins.] From History of New London, pp.305-306: "William Comstock, father of Daniel, came from Hartford in 1649 and lived to old age in his house upon Post Hill; (near north corner of Williams and Vauxhall Streets.) His wife Elizabeth was aged fifty-five in 1663. No record has been found of the death of either. His land was inherited by his son Daniel, of New London, and grandson William, of Lyme. The latter was a son of John Comstock deceased -- and his mother Abigail, in 1680, was the wife of Moses Huntley, of Lyme. It is probably that Daniel and John were the only children of William Comstock, sen., and his wife Elizabeth. John is the ancestor of the Lyme family of Comstocks, and Daniel of those of the North Parish or Montville. The latter, as appears from statements of his age, was born about 1630. His wife, whose name was Paltiah, was a daughter or step-daughter of John Elderkin. They had a son Daniel and eight daughters, whose births are not recorded; but they were all baptized by Mr. Bradstreet in April and November, 1671. After this two others sons were baptized; Kingland in 1673, and Samuel in 1677." [Have seen a possible Batism record from England - baby William, father William. Don't think this has ever been proved to be THIS William. There is also possibly another son named William that came to America, but I have not seen enough evidence nor descendants to support this theory.]WILLIAM COMSTOCK and ELIZABETH DANIEL were married about 1622 in England. ELIZABETH DANIEL was born on 8 Jan 1608 in England. She died after 1665. Referred to as "my now wife"; Elizabeth may have been his second wife based on this phrase. [Many of the New England records ALWAYS use this wording to describe a wife so I would basically discount this assumption. Have seen parents for Elizabeth posted online - father, Henry Daniel, but I can't confirm that this has ever been proven.] The origins of the Comstock family name is likely a place name in England: Culmstock, Devonshire, England. A History of the Descendants of the Comstock Family in America says: "The name Comstock undoubtedly traces to a village in Devonshire, England, called Culmstock which is located on the River Culm some ten miles east of Tiverton and an equal distance south of Taunton. In 1635 the Comstocks came to America to the Massachusetts settlements." However, the actual origins of William Comstock have not been discovered, to my knowledge.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Immigrant Born: 1595, per Comstocks of America, 1949. (Estimated date of birth of oldest child abt 1624 minus 25 years would be 1599.) Immigration:1634-1637. He is not in the Great Migration Begins, which means there is no record of him being in the colonies before 1634. 1637 is the first record of him in the colonies (See Pequot War reference below.) It's not known if he came with his first wife, as a widower, or with his second wife; but, he probably came with at least the first four, or maybe all, of his children. No record of him is found in manifest lists, which is normal during this period. Occupation:I've seen no reference to a trade, probably farmer. Earliest Record:1637. Per Comstock Family in America, and also Stiles: "... he is recorded as having been one of the twenty-six men from Wethersfield in the expedition commanded by Capt. John Mason, that captured the Pequot Fort at Mystic, Connecticut, May 26, 1637, killing about five hundred Indians." Residences:Prob Wethersfield, Conn by 1637, to New London by 1650.The History of New London states that he lived to old age, on Post Hill near the north corner of Williams and Vauxhall Streets. Most of his children are shown as from Lyme, New London, Conn later on. I'm not sure if this is a change in their location, or a "new" name for the area where he lived. Spouses: Note on marriage order: Comstock Family in America has first wife as "unknown" first and last name, second wife Elizabeth Daniel - no dates given for either, so no info here to claim which children from which wife. Torrey, New England Marriages Before 1700", has first wife Elizabeth Daniel, abt 1621-1625, second wife, Elizabeth (____), 1659 (which is the date of the record cited below showing "my now wife Elizabeth"). Using Torrey's info would mean Elizabeth Daniel would be the mom of all the children. The "now wife Elizabeth" reference could support either position. 1) Unknown. Place and date of marriage is unknown. Place and date of her birth or death is unknow, although she was likely not living by 1659, when William referred to Elizabeth as his "now wife". The History of Comstocks in America states: "In 1659 it is recorded that "with consent of my now wife Elizabeth" he sold property in New London. This probably indicates that Elizabeth was a second wife." 2) Elizabeth [Daniel?]. Wife in 1659 in New London, unless the other wife was also an Elizabeth, then either could have been the 1659 wife. Her place and date of birth and marriage are unknown to me. The Comstock Family in America gives her last name as Daniel, but gives a rather soft source: "In "History of The National Society of Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America" for the fifteenth year, ending May 13, 1913, Mary Ella Comstock (Mrs. Carl J. Vietz) gives the wife of William1 Comstock as "Elizabeth Daniel." I'm not aware that any research has documented her identity, so I list her as Daniel with a question mark. Torrey does show her name as Daniel. Military:He is recorded as having been one of the twenty-six men from Wethersfield in the expedition commanded by Capt. John Mason, that captured the Pequot Fort at Mystic, Connecticut, May 26, 1637, killing about five hundred Indians.CFA Died:About 1683, per The Comstock Family of America, although I see no reference to why the author selected this date. The last record referred to in CFA regarding William is 1661. Estate/Will:None found, although receipts of money regarding his estate determine the identity of Samuel Youngs and Thomas Hallock as sons-in-law. Timeline of Life events: About 1635- Immigration to the Colonies May 26, 1637 - Pequot War - see above. 1641 - "It is a matter of record that he held lands on the Connecticut River in Wethersfield in the year 1641, and that these lands had been purchased from one Ric. Milles." CFA 1644 - Richard Mylls was plaintiff against "Willi Combstocke" and John Sadler, defendants, in an action for slander, Aug. 1, 1644, before the Court of Elections, Hartford, to the damage of 200 pounds." About 1650 - he transferred to Pequot, now New London, where he had previously (1647) received a grant of land. November, 1650 - At a town meeting held in New London in November, 1650, he voted to cooperate with John Winthrop to establish a corn mill July 1651 - He "Wrought on the mill dam" with Tabor and other inhabitants of New London. The old mill is still in existence. 1659- It is recorded that "with consent of my now wife Elizabeth" he sold property in New London. This probably indicates that Elizabeth was a second wife. February 25, 1661 or '62, - "Old Goodman Comstock" was elected Sexton, "to order youth in the meeting house, sweep the meeting house and beat out dogs," at 40 shillings a year, to dig all graves, and have 4s for a grave for a man or woman, and 2s for children, to be paid by the supervisors. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subsequent Generations This is who I show as his family, which reflects what should be five main branches. Info is primarily from the Comstock Genealogy. Note the five major branches from the first generation are comprised of the names: Comstock and Shipton/Shipman. 1William Comstock 1595 - 1683 ..+Unknown 1595 - *2nd Wife of William Comstock: ..+Elizabeth [Daniel?] 1608 - *3rd Wife of William Comstock: ..+Which Wife Mom, ? 1595 - ........... 2John Comstock 1624 - 1680 ...............+Abigail Chappell 1644 - ........... 2Samuel Comstock 1628 - 1660 ...............+Anne Tucker, ? 1628 - ........... 2Daniel Comstock 1630 - 1683 ...............+Paltiah Elderkin 1636 - 1713........... 2Elizabeth Comstock 1633 - 1659 ...............+Edward Shipton/Shipman 1633 - ........... 2Christopher Comstock 1635 - 1702 ...............+Hannah Platt 1635 Name: William Comstock , Immigrant Ancestor Sex: M Birth: 4 JUL 1595 in Village of Culmstock, Wellington Parish (Devonshire) England Death: 1683 in Post Hill, Montville Village (New London) Connecticut Colony Note: COMSTOCKThe surname Comstock is relieved to be derived from the village of Culmstock on the River Culm in Devonshire. Culmstock is a place of considerable antiquity. There was a church there as early as 600 A.D. and parts of the present All Saints Church date from 900 A.D. The village had slightly more than 800 inhabitants when the Domesday Boole was compiled.1595c: William Comstock was born in England."A History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America" by John Adams Comstock; p. 2; The Commonwealth Press Inc; Los Angeles, California; 1949 (929.2 C739CO)1636c: William Comstock an his wife came to America."Historical and Genealogical Collections, relating to the descendants of the Reverend James Hillhouse" by Margaret P. Hillhouse; p, 266; Tobias A. Wright, Printers and Publishers; New York City, New York; 1924 (HeritageQuest)No English connection has been found for the immigrant, William Comstock nor is there any record of when he came to New England. He may have first lived in Watertown, Massachusetts, but soon moved to Wethersfield, Connecticut.1641: William Comstock owned land at Wethersfield which he had bought from Richard Miles even earlier.1637, May 26: William Comstock was one of the men from Wethersfield in the company under Captain John Mason who defeated the Pequot Indians.1644, August 1: Richard Mylls sued "Willi Comstock" and John Sadler for slander in Hartford, seeking £200.1649: William moved to New London. There, before the end of the municipal year."Effie Belle Randall of Bath, Ohio: Her Ancestors and Descendants" by Theodore N. Woods; pp. 46-7; published by T. N. Woods; Phoenix, Arizona; 1991 (CS71.R19 1991 LofC)1649: The family removed to Montville, Connecticut where the home was on Post Hill."Historical and Genealogical Collections, relating to the descendants of the Reverend James Hillhouse" by Margaret P. Hillhouse; p, 266; Tobias A. Wright, Printers and Publishers; New York City, New York; 1924 (HeritageQuest)1651, February 25: At New London he applied for a house lot. He received one on Post Hill, near the later corner of Vauxhall and Williams streets. He apparently lived the rest of his life in the house he built there.1653, June 6: On the north of the meeting-house, a lot was reserved that "shall ever bee for a Common Burial place, and never be impropriated by any," according to the ordinance.1655, March 26: "Goodman Comstock is chosen to be grave-maker for the town, and he shall have 4s. for men and women's graves, and for all children's graves, 3 shillings for every grave he makes."1662, February 25: His duties were further defined; "Old Goodman Comstock is chosen sexton, whose work is to order youth in the meeting-house, sweep the meeting-house, and beat out dogs, for which he is to have 40 shillings a year, he is also to make all graves, for a man or woman he is to have 4 shillings for children, 2 shillings a grave, to be paid by survivors.""Effie Belle Randall of Bath, Ohio: Her Ancestors and Descendants" by Theodore N. Woods; pp. 46-7; published by T. N. Woods; Phoenix, Arizona; 1991 (CS71.R19 1991 LofC)1683 (after): William Comstock died."A History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America" by John Adams Comstock; p. 2; The Commonwealth Press Inc; Los Angeles, California; 1949 (929.2 C739CO)Marriage 1 Elizabeth Daniels b: 8 JAN 1607/08 in Village of Culmstock, Wellington Parish (Devonshire) EnglandMarried: 1625 in Village of Culmstock, Wellington Parish (Devonshire) England Note: Marriage Note: Elizabeth Daniels and William Comstock were (probably) married in England and most, perhaps all their children were born there. Children: 1) John (see below); 2) Samuel, born 1628c; married Anne (unknown); died 1660 at Providence, Rhode Island; 3) Daniel (see below); 4) Elizabeth, born 1633c; married January 1651, Edward Shipton of Saybrook, Connecticut; died July 1759 and 5) Christopher, born 1635c; married October 6, 1663, Hannah Platt of Milford, Connecticut; died December 28, 1702 at Norwalk, Connecticut."Effie Belle Randall of Bath, Ohio: Her Ancestors and Descendants" by Theodore N. Woods; p. 47; published by T. N. Woods; Phoenix, Arizona; 1991 (CS71.R19 1991 LofC)Marriage Note: Some family historians believe Elizabeth was William's second wife and they were married in New England. They, apparently, ground this opinion on a Deed of 1659 when William sold property in New England "with consent of my now wife, Elizabeth". However, the expression "now wife" was a bit stilted, legal jargon which may mean, nothing at all."Effie Belle Randall of Bath, Ohio: Her Ancestors and Descendants" by Theodore N. Woods; pp. 46-7; published by T. N. Woods; Phoenix, Arizona; 1991 (CS71.R19 1991 LofC)Additional Resources:1) "New England Marriages Prior to 1700" compiled by Clarence Almon Torrey; p. 175; The Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc.; Baltimore, Maryland; 1985 (974.0 NEa/Marriage SCGS)2) "A History and Genealogy of the Comstock Family in America" by John Adams Comstock; p. 2; The Commonwealth Press Inc; Los Angeles, California; 1949 (929.2 C739CO)Children John (a) Comstock b: 1624 in Village of Culmstock, Wellington Parish (Devonshire) England Daniel "Gideon" (1) Comstock b: 21 JUL 1630 in Village of Culmstock, Wellington Parish (Devonshire) EnglandMore About William COMSTOCK and Elizabeth DANIEL:Marriage: Abt. 1622, Devonshire, England.665Children of William COMSTOCK and Elizabeth DANIEL are: